VCR Buying Guide (S-VHS, D-VHS, Professional) for restoring video

[hodgey]

One interesting note about the JVC SR-S388E i noticed today when browsing about in manuals, it seems to share ICs and mechanism with the pre-1998 JVC comsumer decks, so it's more akin to e.g the HR-S9400E (albeit without the dynamic drum) than the common JVC TBC decks which are all from 1998 (e.g S9500) or later and which adopted a redesigned mechanism and compacted several ICs into the main Video/Audio IC. How well it works in practice though I have no idea. on

Also different note about PAL JVC SVHS decks, besides ones with Philips badges there are some Thomson-badged variants of the JVC SVHS decks, including some with TBC, though I don't know which ones correspond to what JVC/Philips ones.

[DJsnapattack]

I have a number of Chromium tapes that have audio only recorded onto them using a Panasonic NV-HD675B using the RCA inputs on the machine (in SP mode) recorded in 1999. (The audio is from a radio station after limiter/compression but before transmission, so is fairly loud) I want to extract the audio now from the tapes, but have been advised that I should get a machine that produces a cleaner outgoing audio signal, than simply getting another NV-HD675B machine?? Can anyone let me know if that is true? and which machine/s would best lend themselves to extraction of the audio only.

[Bogilein]

After my overview of all PAL Panasonic SVHS video recorders from 1988-2004 released in Germany:

http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...html#post77079

Here now the overview of all PAL JVC SVHS VCRs which were released in Germany from 1988-2004.
The list also includes the most interesting SVHS recorders from JVC's Professional series as well as some french devices and some that were available in the United Kingdom (UK) but not all of them.


1988: JVC HR-S5000
1989: JVC BR-S811E (JVC Professional Series)
1990: JVC HR-S5500
1991: JVC HR-S9000
1991: JVC HR-S5800
1991/1992: JVC HR-S4700
1992: JVC BR-S622E (JVC Professional Series with TBC board)
1992: JVC BR-S822E (JVC Professional Series with TBC board)
1992/1993: JVC HR-S6800
1993: JVC BR-S522E (JVC Professional Series with TBC board)
1993: JVC BR-S525E (JVC Professional Series with TBC board)
1994: JVC HR-S5900
1994: JVC HR-S6900
1995/1996: JVC HR-S7000
1995/1996: JVC HR-S9200
1997: JVC HR-S9400 with DD (Dynamic Drum)
1998: JVC HR-S9500 with TBC, DD
1998: JVC HR-S7500
1998: JVC HR-S8500 withTBC, DD
1999: JVC HR-S6600
1999: JVC HR-S6611
1999: JVC HR-S7600 with TBC (Champagne Color)
1999: JVC HR-S7611 with TBC (Black Color)
1999: JVC HR-S8600 with TBC, DD
1999: JVC HR-S9600 with TBC, DD
1999: JVC HR-DVS1 DV+SVHS device with TBC
2000: JVC HR-S7700 with TBC, Champagne Color, first VCR with ET Technology (recording on VHS Tapes with SVHS Quality)
2000: JVC HR-S7711 with TBC (Black Color)
2000: JVC HR-S7722 with TBC (Silver Color)
2000: JVC HR-S8700 with TBC
2000: JVC HR-S9700 with TBC, DD
2000: JVC HM-DR10000 with TBC
2000: JVC HR-S6700
2000: JVC HR-S6711
2000: JVC HR-DVS2EU DV+SVHS device with TBC
2001: JVC HR-S6850 (Front Panel: Pure Silver, Window: Smoke Light Gray Color)
2001: JVC HR-S6851 (Front Panel: Pure Silver, Window: Green Color)
2001: JVC HR-S6852 (Front Panel: Black, Window: Smoke Pink Color)
2001: JVC HR-S6855EK (UK)
2001: JVC HR-S6856EK (UK)
2001: JVC HR-S6856EK (UK)
2001: JVC HM-HDS1 Harddisk Recorder + SVHS device with TBC
2001/2002: JVC HR-S9850 with TBC
2001/2002: JVC HR-S8850 with TBC
2001/2002: JVC HR-S7850
2001/2002: JVC HR-S7851
2001/2002: JVC HR-DVS3 DV+SVHS device with TBC
2002: JVC HR-S5950
2002: JVC HR-S5955EK (UK)
2002: JVC HR-S5955MS (french)
2002: JVC HR-S6950 (silver color)
2002: JVC HR-S6953 (black color)
2002: JVC HR-S6955MS (french)
2002: JVC HR-S7950 with TBC
2002: JVC HR-S7955EK with TBC (UK)
2002: JVC HR-S7955MS no TBC!!! (french)
2003: JVC HR-S6960
2003: JVC HR-S7960 with TBC
2003: JVC HR-S7965EK with TBC (UK)
2003: JVC HR-S8960 with TBC
2003: JVC HR-S8965EK (UK)
2003: JVC HR-XVS20EU DVD/SVHS device
2003: JVC HR-S6960
2003: JVC HR-S5960
2004: JVC HR-S5970

some additional information:
I have collect all the information from old video magazines, advertisements, service and user manuals and my own devices.
If I have forgotten or some information is wrong about the TBC or DD, please let me know to complete the overview.
If someone is thinking of buying one of the JVC Professional series, please make sure that the TBC board is really included.

[lordsmurf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogilein

After my overview of all PAL Panasonic SVHS video recorders from 1988-2004 released in Germany:
The list also includes the most interesting SVHS recorders from JVC's Professional series as well as some french devices and some that were available in the United Kingdom (UK) but not all of them.
... 2003: JVC HR-S7965EK with TBC (UK)
... If I have forgotten or some information is wrong about the TBC or DD, please let me know to complete the overview.

Thank you, very useful!

I really like my HR-S7965EK, but didn't realize or more likey just forgot) it was one of the final with-TBC decks. Some of the EOL JVC decks were the best of the best.

I see the SR-V10E is missing.
Also SR-VS30E, an excellent S-VHS deck (but terrible DV deck).

Isn't the SR-V10E at least German? I thought so. Both German and Australian. In fact, one of the very few Australia native PAL decks, made and sold for that market, not just import from Europe.

[Bogilein]

I did some more research in regards to the JVC SR-VS30E, JVC SR-MV30, JVC SR-V10E.
I can't find any information in german video magazines, advertisements or video forums.

The only thing I found was a german user manual for the SR-V10E. The SR-V10E is from JVC's Professional series. The SR-V10E can still be added to the list.

For the SR-VS30E, I'm not sure if it was sold in Germany, I can't find any informationen in german language.

For the SR-MV30 I only found information about the NTSC version.

2002: JVC SR-V10E with TBC (JVC Professional Series)

2002: JVC SR-VS30E MiniDV + SVHS with TBC
2004: JVC SR-MV30 DVD + SVHS with TBC (NTSC)

[latreche34]

1999: JVC HR-S7600 with TBC (Champagne Color) should have DD and S-VHS ET, At least the HR-S7600AM and HR-S7600U (black) which I'm certain they are.

[Bogilein]

Quote:

Originally Posted by latreche34

1999: JVC HR-S7600 with TBC (Champagne Color) should have DD and S-VHS ET, At least the HR-S7600AM and HR-S7600U (black) which I'm certain they are.

You have to pay attention to the correct designation of the name.

The full name for the device is JVC HR-S 7600EU.

The JVC HR-S7600AM and JVC HR-S7600U are different devices.

This means JVC-HR-S7600EU with TBC, no DD, no S-VHS ET.

[hodgey]

Yeah they used 8xxx for the almost top of the line model in Europe for those years, so the 8600EU/EK does have DD and is more akin to the 7600U than the 7600EU. Some features also came later to the european variants, such as SVHS ET (one gen later) and video stabilizer which is only on the very late European models.

Not sure where the AM variants were sold, they seem to be models designed to handle both standard NTSC and PAL (as opposed to NTSC on PAL playback on the Ex models, may have tuner for both but not sure).

The S388E may or may not have been sold in Germany, at least it was sold in Europe somewhere but seems it was pretty rare according to this post.

Besides that, there were some philips SVHS decks (2000s ones) and some with Thomson/Telefunken (and maybe their other brands?) that shared parts with the JVC ones. Not sure how the relationship was exactly.

[latreche34]

Oh I see, So 7600 is the base model and the letters indicate the added features.
@ hodgey: The HR-7600AM was an international model probably made in Singapore, It is the only model ever made including non JVC brands with S-VHS and line TBC with native 525/626 scanning (no conversion between standards), PAL, NTSC 5.58, NTSC 4.43 and MESECAM ( no SECAM).

[msgohan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by latreche34

Oh I see, So 7600 is the base model and the letters indicate the added features.

I would say the letters at the end mostly (if not entirely) indicate the target market. Here is lordsmurf's breakdown of JVC's letter codes. This reply and this one are good too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by latreche34

HR-7600AM was an international model probably made in Singapore, It is the only model ever made including non JVC brands with S-VHS and line TBC with native 525/626 scanning (no conversion between standards), PAL, NTSC 5.58, NTSC 4.43 and MESECAM ( no SECAM).

Quote:

Originally Posted by HR-S7600AM manual

When playing back a NTSC 4.43 or MESECAM tape, Digital TBC/NR does not function even though the TBC/NR button is lit.

Kinda weird that they keep the light on to trick ya.

[J_D_T]

Would it be possible to incorporate or list remote control compatibility between the various recommended VCR units?

For example, JVC HM-DH40000U VCR's (refurbished or otherwise) are almost always sold missing their remote (JVC LP21036-013 I think), but they are effectively useless without one since the buttons on the unit are limited. What other remote(s) would work with the JVC HM-DH40000U?

I believe that it would help a lot of people if any of the recommended VCR's that require a remote to be useful also had compatible JVC or universal remotes listed, especially since this thread is a top search result for these projects. Thanks.

[Reticle]

New here, sup. I dumped "jvc hr" vhs on US eBay and found some S-VHS players/records not listed on the pages 1-2 model listing. Would be good to update and include others mentioned, such as VC BR-S822DXU from VideoTechMan.

I like Bogilein's PAL list for narrowing down when the U models were made and for mentioning to check that the TBC board is included. The BR model I found is pretty cool for having separate sync BNC input for genlocking. Perhaps is standard for BR models.

• JVC BR-S500U
• JVC HR-S4800U
• JVC HR-S3600U
• JVC HR-S5912U
• JVC HR-S5000U
• JVC HR-S5800U
• JVC HR-S6700U

[volksjager]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reticle

New here, sup. I dumped "jvc hr" vhs on US eBay and found some S-VHS players/records not listed on the pages 1-2 model listing. Would be good to update and include others mentioned, such as VC BR-S822DXU from VideoTechMan.

I like Bogilein's PAL list for narrowing down when the U models were made and for mentioning to check that the TBC board is included. The BR model I found is pretty cool for having separate sync BNC input for genlocking. Perhaps is standard for BR models.

• JVC BR-S500U
• JVC HR-S4800U
• JVC HR-S3600U
• JVC HR-S5912U
• JVC HR-S5000U
• JVC HR-S5800U
• JVC HR-S6700U

those are not TBC VCRS and would not be good for tape transfers

[oreo137]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_D_T

Would it be possible to incorporate or list remote control compatibility between the various recommended VCR units?

For example, JVC HM-DH40000U VCR's (refurbished or otherwise) are almost always sold missing their remote (JVC LP21036-013 I think), but they are effectively useless without one since the buttons on the unit are limited. What other remote(s) would work with the JVC HM-DH40000U?

I believe that it would help a lot of people if any of the recommended VCR's that require a remote to be useful also had compatible JVC or universal remotes listed, especially since this thread is a top search result for these projects. Thanks.

I was just searching replacement remotes for this JVC and came upon your post. I've noticed the same about used models like this missing the original. Definitely wondering whether or not a universal/compatible remote would offer all of the desired functions. Would be curious to hear from anyone who's dealt with purchasing a remote separately.

[Rasalom]

How does an HDMI VCR model like the Panasonic DMR-EZ47V compare to the recommended VHS-S/D/W models? I'm looking to get a VCR without having to also invest in a HDMI conversion kit, if possible. I don't want to sacrifice quality, though, so please be honest with me if this isn't the best route for capturing VHS digitally.

[lordsmurf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rasalom

How does an HDMI VCR model like the Panasonic DMR-EZ47V compare to the recommended VHS-S/D/W models?

It doesn't even come close. Those are low-end consumer VCR+DVD combos, and are essentially bottom quality. Garbage even. The signal is sloppy and unstable, the image looks like crap. Wiggle, chroma noise, etc.

Quote:

I'm looking to get a VCR without having to also invest in a HDMI conversion kit, if possible. I don't want to sacrifice quality, though, so please be honest with me if this isn't the best route for capturing VHS digitally.

Why are you trying to force VHS into HDMI? That alone will severely harm quality.

[Rasalom]

Thank you!

[Phileholic]

Just a question,

So the difference between the JVC HR-9700EU and the 9700EK is that the former was from Europe, while the 9700EK was the same model sold in the UK.

Would a UK tape work in a 9700EU?

[hodgey]

Yeah the only difference is what the tuner accepts broadcast stereo system support and what the rf modulator outputs but that's not relevant unless you need to use the antenna cables for some reason. The only PAL variants that are special are PAL-M used in brazil and PAL-N used in some south american countries (though the latter plays mostly normally in a normal PAL deck.)

The UK model also lacks MESECAM support. Seems it was common for UK models to not feature that while central european models typically did.

Lastly a UK deck will have a UK power plug, central europe variant an europlug, though if you are in europe it's gonna be same voltage/frequency so can simply use an adapter which are readily available.

[Phileholic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hodgey

The UK model also lacks MESECAM support. Seems it was common for UK models to not feature that while central european models typically did.

That's interesting. I guess based on that I'll go with the 9700EU.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hodgey

The only PAL variants that are special are PAL-M used in brazil and PAL-N used in some south american countries (though the latter plays mostly normally in a normal PAL deck.)

So a Brazilian tape wouldn't work in a PAL VCR ?

IIRC, Argentinian tapes were NTSC.